In a presentation to the city council on Tuesday, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin outlined his proposed 2026 budget totaling $591 million, which is up $9 million from last year's budget.
According to the City's website, "The operating budget builds on unprecedented investments in the city through the American Rescue Plan Act ($141 million), multiple federal grants like CHOICE neighborhoods ($50 million) and the Civil Rights Urban Trail ($7.5 million), and shared priorities like the city's $16 million police recruitment and retention program."
In the 208-page document, the mayor outlined his priorities, including 12 points for what he called "Vision 2025." Among those are:
- Reimagining Public Safety in Birmingham
We will continue to build on our efforts to support our police operations, modernize our fire rescue and emergency response capabilities, and think and act holistically about the root causes of violent crime through our public health-centered PEACE strategy and operate our courts in manner that prioritizes restorative justice and diversion over incarceration.
- Leading Birmingham to a Full Recovery from COVID-19
Vision 2025 articulates a public health strategy geared to vaccinating as many Birmingham residents as possible and fully preparing Birmingham for future public health crises.
- Strengthening Birmingham’s Public Health Infrastructure and Charting a Path for a Post-COVID Recovery
Vision 2025 establishes a comprehensive public health vision for the future of Birmingham to tackle the challenge of food deserts by bringing more healthy food options and seeking out regional and national grocery partners. Initiating and maintaining a City-led public information campaign about the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines.
- Ensuring Birmingham’s Long-Term Affordability
Vision 2025 boosts our commitment to building an affordable Birmingham that families deserve by ramping up our commitment to affordable housing while being intentional about mitigating displacement and gentrification.
- Continuing to Build a Fairer, More Equitable, and Inclusive Birmingham
Vision 2025 preserves the rich diversity of Birmingham by ensuring that our community remains fair, accessible, affordable, and welcoming for all residents.
The mayor's office released a press statement that lists a "Budget at a Glance," highlighting the following budget allocations:
Neighborhood Revitalization
- Street Paving: $15 million
- Weed Abatement: $3 million (up $250,000)
- Demolition: $2 million (up $500,000)
- Sidewalks: $1 million
- Traffic Calming: $500,000
- Recycling: $300,000
Public Safety and Violence Reduction
- Police vehicles: $1 million (part of $6 million rolling stock investment)
- Common Ground Conflict Resolution in BCS: $1 million
- Park and Recreation Safe Haven Initiative: $625,000 (up $125,000)
- Park and Recreation youth sports program: $500,000 (new funding, recommended by the independent Birmingham Crime Commission)
- RESTORE Youth Re-entry Initiative: $450,000 (up $225,000)
- Additional Community Violence Intervention: $1.5 million
- Budget provides additional support for programs currently supported by ARPA funding and additional grants.
- NICJR/Gun Violence Reduction Strategy
- IRSA/One Hood: citywide initiative
- OAA/Hospital-linked violence intervention expansion into the emergency department
- TCS/Street Teams: designated zones
- Live Free: training
Youth Investments
- Birmingham Promise for BCS students: $2 million
- Birmingham City Schools (mental health): $1 million
- Financial Literacy Curriculum in BCS: $1 million
- Common Ground Conflict Resolution in BCS: $1 million
- Small Magic Early Childhood Education: $250,000
- Park and Recreation Safe Haven Initiative: $625,000 (up $125,000)
- Park and Recreation youth sports program: $500,000 (new funding)
- Kids and Jobs: $210,000
- Please note: Ad valorem tax revenue from the City of Birmingham provided $86,699,395 to Birmingham City Schools this year.Homelessness
- Services for the Unhoused: $1.5 million (new funding)
- Community Development Block Grants: $800,000 (estimated, annually)
Public Transportation
- Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority: $11 million
- Birmingham Xpress Bus Rapid Transit: $3 million
- Birmingham on Demand Powered by VIA: $2.5 million
- City Employees
- 1% Cost of Living Adjustment for All Employees: $4.225 million
- 5% Merit Pay for Eligible Employees: $3.9 million
- Longevity Pay for Eligible Employees: $1 million
- The City Covers All Healthcare Benefit Increases for City Employees to Prevent New Out-of-Pocket Costs: $3.6 million
- City Contribution to Pension Fund: $40 million (estimated pending actuary’s report)
The budget, once adopted by the council, would run from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email [email protected]
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning or become a member to gain access to exclusive content and 1819 News merch.
